COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel

Do not travel to Afghanistan (level 4 of 4). The hostile and unpredictable security situation, high and ongoing threat of terrorism and kidnapping of foreigners present a significant risk to New Zealanders in Afghanistan. New Zealanders currently in Afghanistan are advised to depart as soon as it is safe to do so.

New Zealanders who decide to travel to Afghanistan against our advice should ensure that appropriate personal security protection measures are in place at all times. We strongly recommend you consult a reputable security company with experience in Afghanistan for advice on security arrangements. Security arrangements should be reviewed on a regular basis. Such measures may mitigate the risks to your safety but cannot eliminate them entirely.

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Afghanistan

The security situation remains extremely dangerous and highly volatile. There is an ongoing and very high threat of terrorist attack throughout Afghanistan. Be aware of the potential for violence with large crowds.

New Zealand’s military air evacuations ended in August 2021.

As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Afghanistan, the ability of the New Zealand Government to provide assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited. We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Afghanistan should consider.

Travel throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous. Some borders are closed or may close without notice, especially when large crowds gather or there are concerns about an increased risk of attack. Border crossing is risky and dangerous. There are Taliban checkpoints on roads throughout the country. New Zealanders remaining in Afghanistan should carefully consider the risks of attempting to leave by any route. The New Zealand Government cannot offer advice on the safety of travelling to departure points or where to depart from. You are responsible for your own safety and that of your family. The security situation in the Middle East region is unpredictable and may become increasingly volatile.

New Zealanders who decide to travel to, or remain in, Afghanistan against our advice should ensure that appropriate personal security protection measures are in place at all times and keep a low profile. We strongly recommend you consult a reputable security company with experience in Afghanistan for advice on security arrangements. Security arrangements should be reviewed on a regular basis. Such measures may mitigate the risks to your safety but cannot eliminate them entirely.

Terrorism
There is an ongoing and extreme risk of terrorism throughout Afghanistan. Significant, large scale terrorist incidents occur frequently, including attacks using suicide bombs, roadside bombs, car bombs, rockets and small arms. Attacks could occur at anytime and anywhere in Afghanistan. 

The threat to foreigners is extremely high and there are frequent attacks on foreign or Western interests and organisations. These attacks commonly target hotels, housing compounds, restaurants and other places that are frequented by foreigners. Attacks have occurred in the vicinity of Hamid Karzai International airport in Kabul. There are ongoing threats around airports.

Many attacks target Afghan and international security forces. Further possible targets include (but are not limited to) embassies, hotels, housing compounds, markets, shops, banks, schools, medical facilities, places of worship, religious sites, aid agencies and Afghan government buildings.

New Zealanders in Afghanistan should monitor local information sources for information on new safety and security risks as the security situation can change very quickly.

Kidnapping
Kidnapping for ransom and the hostage taking of foreign nationals is a significant problem throughout Afghanistan. Foreign nationals, including aid workers, journalists, tourists, and those working for non-governmental organisations and international organisations, have been frequently targeted in the past and will likely continue to be targeted. In addition to taking professional security advice, you should vary your routines to avoid setting predictable patterns of movement, particularly around travel routes.

Civil unrest and political tension
Afghanistan is now under Taliban control. The political situation in Afghanistan remains uncertain and could change quickly. 

Foreign nationals, including New Zealanders, could be detained in Afghanistan without due process, detention may be lengthy. The New Zealand Government may not be notified of your detention. Our ability to assist a detainee is severely limited.  

Demonstrations/strikes/protests occur in Afghanistan and have become violent in the past and suffered terrorist attacks. New Zealanders in Afghanistan are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to turn violent with little warning. Comply with any instructions issued by the local authorities, including any curfews. Monitor local and international media, review personal security plans and be aware of your surroundings. If unexpectedly in the vicinity of a protest, demonstration or large gathering of people, exercise caution and leave the area quickly.

Local travel
Road travel in Afghanistan is extremely dangerous, including in Kabul. Suicide bombers in vehicles have attacked international convoys, including those travelling to and from Kabul International Airport. Attackers often use fake checkpoints to launch attacks, including for the purpose of robbery, kidnapping and assault/violence. Roadside bombs also cause a significant number of casualties. Travel by road should only be undertaken in secure transport, with armed protection, using reputable local drivers and guides. We especially advise against travelling at night.

Crime
Violent crime such as carjacking, rape, armed robbery and banditry is an issue, particularly in rural areas. 

Landmines
Unexploded landmines and munitions are a hazard throughout the country.

General travel advice
New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Afghanistan to avoid offending local sensitivities and adhere to local laws. The Taliban have decreed codes of behaviour and dress for both men and women, which can be strictly enforced. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour. Women are expected to be fully covered, including their faces, in public places. They are to do so by wearing loose clothing, covering their hair with a headscarf and using a veil to cover their face. Men are expected to dress modestly, this includes not wearing clothing items such as sleeveless shirts or shorts. The Taliban have also decreed that women are not permitted to move around Afghanistan or travel without being accompanied by a mahram, (a husband, father or brother). 

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

Photography of government offices, security or military establishments or officials, official residences or checkpoints is prohibited, and could result in detention. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.

Afghanistan is in an active seismic area, and the most common natural disasters are earthquakes. Travellers should be aware of the possibility for travel disruptions in the event of seismic activity. There is an ongoing possibility of further earthquakes, which increases the risk of avalanches and landslides. Familiarise yourself with general safety procedures in the event of an earthquake.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Afghanistan should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. You should check that your travel insurance policy covers travel in Afghanistan – exclusions may well apply. Only very limited medical facilities are available in Afghanistan and there are shortages of even the most basic medical supplies.

New Zealanders who decide to travel or live in Afghanistan despite this advisory are strongly advised to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

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The New Zealand Embassy Tehran, Iran is accredited to Afghanistan

Street Address No 11, Yekta Street, Bahar street, Shahid Fallahi Street, Valie Asr Avenue, Tehran Postal Address Post Code: 1973633651 Telephone +98 919 554 0130 Email nzembassytehran@hotmail.co.nz Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/iran Hours Sun-Thurs 0900-1200 hrs

See our regional advice for Central Asia